Fighting reignites in Marawi

Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News

A government soldier in an armored personnel carrier stands on guard at a checkpoint along a main highway in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte, after residents started to evacuate their hometown of Marawi Wednesday. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

MARAWI, Lanao del Sur - Sounds of gunshot and blasts pierced the heart of this southern city anew on Thursday, just a day after the military said it has succeeded in driving rebel forces to Marawi's fringes.

ABS-CBN sources said the rumble of fighting came some 500 meters away from the Lanao provincial capitol, located in the town center.

Black-clad Maute and Abu Sayyaf bandits were also reportedly spotted in major roads and bridges, where military reinforcements are set to pass through.